Dear Diary,
Already three weeks into the season and I can’t help but point out the fact that our offense could be in some serious trouble. I’m not one to pin the blame on just one person, but in this case it’s hard not to. Especially when I am constantly re-hydrating the defense while the offense barley stays on the field for most of the quarter. This can’t continue and the only way this can change is if Deshaun Watson is let go or benched.
Watson is making $230 million guaranteed with the Browns no matter how well he plays. He could show up to a game in pajamas and take a nap on the bench for the whole game and still cash in what he is owed. We’re now entering the third week of the NFL season and Watson has shown that he is not the elite quarterback everyone thought he was. According to ESPN stats, Watson has a completion rate of 57.8% throwing 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions for 551 yards. He’s currently ranked 30th in the NFL with a QBR of 22.5. Just behind him is the now benched Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers. So, where do the Browns go with such a under achieving quarterback? That’s a great question.
Well, if I was in the front office, a waterboy can dream, I would either bench Watson and let Dorian Thompson-Robinson take over or start searching for free agents. If you go the backup route, then you basically sacrifice the season for next year’s draft and try to get the best available rookie quarterback. If you go the free agent route, then you could use a veteran quarterback that can keep the team in a playoff contention. Last year, when Watson got injured after playing only 6 games, the Browns brought in Joe Flacco and were able to put up impressive numbers in just 5 games compared to what Watson had done in two seasons. Oh, Flacco also lead the team to the playoffs. If Watson hadn’t gotten injured, I don’t think the Browns would have made a playoff run based on his subpar play.
You could say that everyone needs to trust the process and be patient with Watson, but it’s now his third season with the ball club and he has made no impact. On top of that, the Browns have done everything in their power to build a solid offense around him by adding Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, and Amari Cooper. These are top quality wide receivers, and he just can’t get the ball to them. By losing to a struggling Giants squad and barely beating an awful Jaguars team Watson’s future seems to be a bit grim as they take on more formidable opponents. Since I just serve up the water to the guys, my advice isn’t sought out often. How do I get the coach, GM, and owner to seriously consider the assessment I and many fans have made before it’s too late?
